Sometimes you need to look back to see how far you have come. I have reread a blog I wrote less than 4 years ago which began ‘I am writing this having just completed my longest open water swim – 2km from Bracklesham Bay down towards Medmerry and back again. Whilst that might not sound very far for any seasoned open water swimmer, for me it was a big milestone’.
Since then I have completed multiple 2km open water swims and participated in the 2.5km sea swim around St Michaels Mount in Cornwall and the Bantham Boomerang an out and back river swim and the Bantham Swoosh, a 5km open water river swim. Later this year I will be taking part in the Hurly Burly, a 10km river swim in North Wales
My journey with open water sea swimming has been very rewarding – I had previously struggled despite a huge desire to regularly swim in the sea. On numerous occasions I had been with other more competent swimmers and ended up feeling dizzy – almost sea sick, with breast stroke induced back ache and generally feeling disappointed that I wasn’t loving the experience I so craved.
The change came as a result of a few things – my yoga practice, a very motivating set of friends who are always encouraging and more recently swimming lessons. Whilst I am still not the fastest, my enjoyment levels have increased significantly.
I believe there are many reasons why yoga helped with my swimming and it wasn’t just due to one element of the practice but the main benefit came from my breathing. In yoga we use Ujayi breath – victorious breath, the breath which sounds like the ocean, so it is very fitting that this contributed so much to my love of swimming in the ocean. Being able to control my breathing and regulate my inhales and exhales enabled me to feel more relaxed in the water, not gasping for breath or taking any unnecessary gulps of salty water.
I now enjoy both open water swimming in a wetsuit covering distances up to 5 km during the summer months, and cold water swimming in a swimming costume during the winter. The ability to control my breathing and use it as the super-power it is, has helped with both.
It’s not all about the breath, I believe improving the flexibility in my hips and shoulders has contributed to an easier, more efficient freestyle technique and a strong upper body has helped my catch and pull.
Yoga practice has given me the gift of being more present. I am now fully tuned into my surroundings and enjoy looking through the water for fish and interesting sand patterns. Although I must admit I also spend a good deal of time sighting my swim buddy who is always out ahead!
Yoga has transformed my open & cold water swimming into a moving meditation which helps clear my mind and feed my soul.
Some of my favourite places to swim
Bude sea pool, provides a consistent sea swim even when the waves are crashing around it
Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex, I love the longer swims from here in the summer and enjoying the warmth of Rewild Sauna after a cold swim in Winter. It is easy to hug the shoreline and never have to venture further than you are comfortable.
Hilsea Lido is my new favourite place to swim, the 67 metre unheated pool is a dream in hot weather, but also a great place to practive a longer distance
Bosham Quay, in the winter when I want to get dry and warm quickly this is one of my favourite spots. It is only possible to swim an hour each side of high tide, and going off the quay is a stunning spot.
If you are interested in Indoor and Outdoor Yoga classes in Chichester please get in touch
Updated July 2026
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